In an interview on Sky with Niki Lauda today (prior to the Ferrari confirmation) he said there was very little discussion with Vettel over any move, saying what took place was just a negotiation ploy on Seb's side to drive his contract price with Ferrari up. He said no discussions have taken place between Merc and Seb for 2 to 3 months. That was before the news broke re the Ferrari confirmation.

In an interview on Sky with Niki Lauda today (prior to the Ferrari confirmation) he said there was very little discussion with Vettel over any move, saying what took place was just a negotiation ploy on Seb's side to drive his contract price with Ferrari up. He said no discussions have taken place between Merc and Seb for 2 to 3 months. That was before the news broke re the Ferrari confirmation.

Also because bottas has a renewal clause in the bank already
Vettel would have been an option only if there was a swap with hamilton. Very hard to happen

Leclerc is making his move on a confirmed F1 seat at Sauber for next year.... Nicholas Todt his manager has all but guaranteed he will be on the F1 grid in 2018. To back that Leclerc has been confirmed for five FP1 sessions (with Sauber) towards the end of the year. He is expected to run in FP1 in Malaysia, the United States, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

At the same time, Force whatever they will be have confirmed their wish to continue with Ocon and Perez next year. Not a confirmation of fact, just intent.

Not looking good for Wehrlein, who has said DTM and Formula E are potentials, in a seemingly my F1 hopes for 2018 are at best remote statement.

Wehrlein hasn't stood out. He's been far from rubbish, but not impressive. Better to give Leclerc the seat and the opportunity.

.... and keep Ferrari happy because they will be running latest spec Ferrari engines with updates next year. And no doubt more tech help. Agreed Leclerc deserves an F1 gig.
I think Wehrlein has the talent, just having to cope with a relatively untalented team mate with benefits.

Wehrlein hasn't stood out. He's been far from rubbish, but not impressive. Better to give Leclerc the seat and the opportunity.

Considering the equipment he's been given these past two seasons, he's been superb. The unfortunate thing for him is timing. As he's been gaining experience he's been usurped by the other Mercedes backed junior Ocon.

It never even got to be Silly, beyond Kubica attempting a return.
But we have next year's Silly Season to look forward to, and that is going to be insanely silly given the number of variations and big contracts / seats up for grabs.